0000000000802594
AUTHOR
Gasbarrini G
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a case-controlled study.
Background & Aims: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) currently is used as a palliative treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its efficacy still is debated. Our aim was to assess the impact of TACE on patient survival and to identify prognostic factors for survival. Methods: Fifty-six cirrhotic patients with unresectable HCC undergoing at least :1 course of TACE were matched 1:1. for sex, age (in 5-year periods), parameters of Child-Pugh score, Okuda stage, and tumor type with a control group who had received only supportive care. Results: The 2 groups were comparable for cause of cirrhosis, alpha-fetoprotein serum levels, and Cancer of th…
The Italian experience on paediatric liver transplantation: 1988-1999 report
Abstract Background. Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage liver disease in both adult and paediatric patients. The Italian experience in paediatric liver transplantation during the period 1988–1999 is reported herein. Patients and methods. This report concerns 228 liver transplantations performed in 207 patients (100 male, 107 female, mean age 5.1±4.4 years) in 11 Italian centres. The mean waiting time on the transplantation list was 6. 1±8.9 months and the main indications for the procedure were biliary atresia, inborn metabolic disorders, liver cirrhosis, liver neoplasms, Alagille syndrome, and fulminant hepatic failure. Results. The cumulative survival rate was …
Liver transplantation: the Italian experience
Abstract Background. Liver transplantation is the standard treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease no longer responsive to conventional medical treatment Aims . To report the longterm experience of liver transplantation in Italy. Patients and Methods . Data were obtained retrospective by means of a multiple-item form collected from 15 Italian liver transplant centres. The filing centre was centralized. Results . A total of 3323 liver transplants were performed on 3026 patients, with a cumulative proportional survival of 72.4%. Three, 5 and 10 years' patient survival rates were 72.3%, 68.8% and 61.3%, respectively. The most common indication for liver transplantation were hepatit…
The rational use of albumin in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. A Delphi study for the attainment of a consensus on prescribing standards.
Background. Ascites is one of the most frequent severe complications in patients with liver cirrhosis. The treatment of this chronic disease usually requires the prolonged use of albumin, frequently continued even after patients' discharge from the hospital. Aims. Aim of the study was to define a consensus among Italian physicians with regard to the use of albumin in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites. Methods. The study adopted the Delphi technique to conduct the consensus activities. All controversial issues related to the use of albumin were identified by the experts' board and proposed to the 68 participating hepatology centres through two subsequent questionnaires. The q…